FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2026

Contact:
Campaign of Patricia Perkins-Auguste for Union County Clerk
press.patriciaperkinsauguste@gmail.com

Patricia Perkins-Auguste Announces First Wave of Major Endorsements for Union County Clerk
Prominent Union County Leaders Unite Behind Experienced Public Servant and Trailblazing Candidate

ELIZABETH, NJ — Today, Elizabeth City Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste proudly announced a powerful first wave of endorsements in her campaign for Union County Clerk. The endorsements come from some of the most respected and influential Democratic leaders across Union County and the State of New Jersey, reflecting broad and growing support for her candidacy to succeed the late, highly regarded longtime Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

Perkins-Auguste, a lifelong Elizabeth resident and at-large member of the Elizabeth City Council since 1993, is seeking the Democratic nomination to fill the vacancy created by Clerk Rajoppi’s recent passing. Union County Democrats are scheduled to select their candidate by August 27 for the November general election to complete the remainder of the term. If selected and elected, Perkins-Auguste would become the first person of color to serve as Union County Clerk.

“I am deeply honored by the confidence and support of these outstanding leaders,” said Perkins-Auguste. “Joanne Rajoppi set a high standard of integrity, accessibility, and innovation in the Clerk’s Office. If entrusted with this responsibility, I will work every day to continue that legacy while advancing modern, equitable, and resident-centered services for every community in Union County. I am prepared to honor this historic opportunity with competence, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the people we serve.”

Perkins-Auguste brings more than three decades of distinguished public service. Currently in her seventh consecutive term as the only woman on Elizabeth’s nine-member City Council and often described as the “Dean” of the Council, she has built a record of community building, leadership, and practical problem-solving. Her experience includes service as Interim Business Administrator for the City of Perth Amboy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; successful acquisition of grants supporting youth programs, small business development, workforce training, second-chance initiatives, autism family supports, and homelessness prevention; and prior roles as Hillside’s personnel and human resources director. She has also served as a Democratic State Committeewoman, founding member of the National Council of Negro Women Greater Elizabeth Area Section, former NAACP Branch President, Delegate for President Barack Obama’s 2012 renomination, and Emeritus Board Member of the United Way of Greater Union County.

The first wave of endorsements underscores the depth of respect she has earned among elected officials, party leaders, and community advocates who know her work firsthand.

Mayor J. Christian “Chris” Bollwage, City of Elizabeth:
“Patricia Perkins-Auguste has been a trusted partner and colleague for more than three decades on the Elizabeth City Council. From the day she first joined our team in 1992, she has demonstrated unwavering integrity, deep knowledge of government operations, and an absolute commitment to the residents of Elizabeth and Union County. She understands the importance of accessible, efficient, and transparent public services. As County Clerk, Patricia will bring the same steady leadership, professionalism, and resident-first approach that has defined her entire career. I am proud to endorse her and urge the Union County Democratic Committee and voters across the county to support Patricia Perkins-Auguste.”

Maria Carvalho, Elizabeth Democratic Chairwoman:
“As Chairwoman of the Elizabeth Democratic Committee, I have had the privilege of working alongside Patricia Perkins-Auguste for many years. She is a proven leader who has consistently put the needs of our diverse community first. Her decades of service, her institutional knowledge, and her genuine care for people make her the ideal candidate to lead the Union County Clerk’s Office. Patricia has the experience, the temperament, and the vision to modernize services while preserving the high standards set by Joanne Rajoppi. The Elizabeth Democratic organization stands firmly behind her candidacy, and I am confident she will serve all of Union County with distinction.”

Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron:
“I am proud to endorse Patricia Perkins-Auguste for Union County Clerk. As someone who has worked closely with her through community programs and local government in Elizabeth, I know firsthand her dedication to public service and her ability to deliver results for working families and diverse communities. Patricia has spent her career opening doors, building bridges, and ensuring that government works for everyone. She will bring competence, compassion, and a historic perspective to the Clerk’s Office. Union County residents deserve a Clerk who understands our communities and is ready to serve every resident with excellence. Patricia Perkins-Auguste is that leader.”

Union County Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort:
“Patricia Perkins-Auguste represents the very best of public service in Union County. Her long record of effective leadership on the Elizabeth City Council, her administrative experience during a time of crisis, and her deep roots in community advocacy make her exceptionally well-qualified to serve as County Clerk. She understands the critical role the Clerk’s Office plays in elections, land records, passports, and vital services that touch the lives of every resident. I am confident that Patricia will lead with integrity, innovation, and equity. I am honored to offer my full endorsement and look forward to working with her on behalf of all Union County residents.”

Cynthia Johnson, Roselle Councilwoman-at-Large and Vice-Chairwoman of the Roselle Democratic Committee:
“As a fellow elected official and Democratic leader, I am pleased to endorse Patricia Perkins-Auguste for Union County Clerk. Patricia has demonstrated over more than thirty years what it means to serve with consistency, courage, and genuine care for the people. She has been a trailblazer and a steady voice for equity and good government. The Clerk’s Office requires someone with institutional knowledge, administrative skill, and a heart for public service—qualities Patricia has shown throughout her career. On behalf of myself and as Vice-Chair of the Roselle Democratic Committee, I strongly support her candidacy and encourage party leaders and voters to do the same.”

Former State Senator and New Jersey Democratic State Chairman Raymond J. Lesniak:
“I have known Patricia Perkins-Auguste for many years as a dedicated public servant, community leader, and loyal Democrat. She has the experience, the character, and the commitment necessary to lead the Union County Clerk’s Office with distinction. Joanne Rajoppi left an outstanding legacy of professionalism and accessibility; Patricia is uniquely prepared to build upon that foundation while bringing fresh energy and a historic perspective as the first person of color to hold the office. In my decades in public life, including as State Democratic Chairman, I have seen many candidates. Few possess the combination of proven municipal leadership, administrative capability, and deep community ties that Patricia brings. I wholeheartedly endorse Patricia Perkins-Auguste for Union County Clerk and urge the Democratic Committee and the voters of Union County to support her.”

Former Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados:
“Today, I join a long list of elected officials, community leaders & residents who are all in support of Councilwoman-at-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste for County Clerk!!

She has a proven track record of fighting for the residents of her community in not only making Elizabeth a better place but leaving a positive impact on the lives of all. If you know her then you know you will have a fighter in your corner to always stand up for you.

With that said I humbly ask for County Committee members & residents of Union County to stand together in support of Patricia Perkins-Auguste for UNION COUNTY CLERK!!!!

Let’s make sure our voices are heard for someone who has been there for us.”

These endorsements represent a significant show of confidence from municipal mayors, county commissioners, party chairs, a respected former state legislative leader and Democratic State Chairman, and a former Union County Commissioner. Together they highlight Perkins-Auguste’s broad appeal across Elizabeth, Roselle, Union Township, and the wider county.

Perkins-Auguste has formally submitted her credentials and statement of interest to the Union County Democratic Committee. She continues to meet with committee members, elected officials, and community stakeholders as the selection process moves forward.

“Public service has been my life’s work,” Perkins-Auguste added. “From my earliest days as NAACP Branch President to more than three decades on the Elizabeth City Council and my service during the pandemic in Perth Amboy, I have always believed that government must be competent, accessible, and centered on the people it serves. I am ready to bring that same standard to the Union County Clerk’s Office and to honor the trust that so many leaders and residents have already placed in me.”

Additional endorsements are expected in the coming days and weeks as more leaders and organizations continue to add their support.

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